Physical description
Its fur is mostly gray on the back, while its belly is white. Its head displays a black mask around the eyes, contrasting with its elongated muzzle and light-colored face. Its tail, although not prehensile, plays an essential role in communication and balance when it moves.
Size and weight
The ring-tailed lemur measures approximately 40 to 45 cm, with a tail that can reach 55 cm. It weighs between 2 and 3.5 kg. Unlike many arboreal lemurs, it spends a large part of its time on the ground, although it climbs with agility in the trees.
Habitat and distribution
It is found mainly in dry forests and scrubland areas in southern Madagascar. It lives in social groups that can number up to 30 individuals, led by dominant females. This matriarchal lifestyle is typical of lemurs.
Diet
The ring-tailed lemur is omnivorous, feeding on fruits, leaves, flowers, bark and sometimes insects. It plays a key role in seed dispersal, thus contributing to the balance of Malagasy ecosystems.
Conservation and threats
Threatened by deforestation, hunting and capture for illegal trade, its habitat is shrinking every year.
